The National CASA/GAL Association for Children welcomes Judge Dan H. Michael to board of trustees

NEWS

Contact: Kimberly Willis Green, kimberlywg@nationalcasagal.org, 404.319.7335

Seattle, WA – The National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children today announced that Judge Dan H. Michael, president of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), is joining its board of trustees. As part of the long-standing partnership National CASA/GAL has with NCJFCJ, the president of this organization serves in an ex-officio role on the National CASA/GAL Board of Trustees. Judge Michael has more than 20 years of juvenile law experience and currently serves on the bench of the Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court in Tennessee.

“Judge Michael’s experience in juvenile law and his understanding of CASA and GAL programs will be an asset to our board. He is incredibly dedicated to his work, and has a true passion for serving youth and families involved with the child welfare system,” said National CASA/GAL CEO Tara Perry. “National CASA/GAL is fortunate to have a strong partnership with NCJFCJ, and I am thrilled to have Judge Michael share his expertise and service with our organization.”

Michael earned his law degree Memphis State University’s Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. His connection to CASA programs began then, when he volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate as a second year law student. Michael continued his work with CASA programs, beginning his law career as a CASA attorney, and he later became executive director of the CASA of Memphis and Shelby County.

Michael has served as judge for the Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court since 2014. In this role, he hears appeals from the nine lower magistrates and presides over the major crimes docket. He has heard cases in all dockets at Juvenile Court, including child support, delinquency, abuse and neglect, and termination of parental rights. Throughout his career, Michael has received many accolades, including the Child Advocacy National Certificate of Recognition by the American Bar Association of Young Lawyers for “significant legal contribution to advancing the welfare of our nation’s children.”

He joins the existing National CASA/GAL board of trustees headed by Board Chair Dr. William Bell, president and CEO of Casey Family Programs.

About the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem Association for Children
The National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children, together with its 948 state and local member programs, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home and have the opportunity to thrive. National CASA/GAL offers leadership and support to the network of programs and leads its continued growth. CASA/GAL volunteers and staff work every day to help change a child’s story. To learn more, visit nationalcasagal.org or follow National CASA/GAL on Facebook or Twitter.